Whether your dog is your copilot or your cat just loves certain cars, here are some essential vehicle accessories to ensure Mr. and Mrs. Scruffles ride safely and comfortably.

Any time you’re traveling with a pet, you should have them properly secured with the appropriate restraint/harness. Your veterinarian can recommend the best one for your furry friend.

Dog-Seat-Cover

Make sure Schmoopy rides in style, and protect your interior too. (Image/Covercraft)

1. Pet Pad Upholstery Covers

It doesn’t matter how many times Miffy bathes herself—if she’s furry, your seats will be too. And let’s face it, dogs will go out of their way to get nice and muddy before it’s time to hop in your car. A good seat or floor cover can prevent paw prints from “customizing” your interior. They’re durable too, and can keep sharp claws from poking holes or scratching panels. Depending on where your pet rides, you can get individual seat covers, full bench-style covers, and liners for a rear cargo area.

Pet-Barrier

We’re not sure whether this will prevent him from barking “Are we there yet?”. (Image/WeatherTech)

2. Pet Barriers

Got a dog (or well-trained llama) that’s too big to sit in a seat? A good pet barrier can keep them securely in the back—away from your steering wheel and Brian Setzer CDs. Most pet barriers offer a universal fit, with adjustable legs that secure to your vehicle’s floor and ceiling. There are larger options available for cargo areas of minivans and SUVs, along with compact barriers designed specifically for the back seat of a car.

Pet-Ramp

Ramps are particularly useful if your pet is, ahem, less-than-agile—we’re looking at you, basset hounds.
(Image/Rage Powersports)

3. Pet Ramps

Unless your pet is a kangaroo, they might struggle to get into a vehicle with a high deck height, like many trucks and SUVs. That’s where pet ramps come in handy. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and most fold compactly and can be stowed away, so you can bring the ramp with you.

Other Cool Pet Stuff

Into bicycling? Take Patches along for the ride with a pet trailer for your bike. Available in several sizes and styles, they’re a great way to enjoy biking with your furry pal—unless your dog is coordinated enough to pedal a tandem.

Author: Paul Sakalas

Paul is the editor of OnAllCylinders. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in an old Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.